Melodrama, it’s much more than Douglas Sirk-directed mid-century dramas, I had a great talk with writer, film programmer, podcaster, and teacher Millie De Chirico about what melodrama really means, what we love about it, and the surprising places you can find melodrama, from horror to action flicks. Subscribe to Millie’s Substack, Professional Sweetheart Check out the fantastic book Millie wrote with Quatoyiah Murry TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema My video review of the book Millie’s official website Millie co-hosts the fabulous I Saw What You Did podcast with Danielle Henderson Follow Millie-- Twitter: @milliedechirico Instagram: @debbie_country BlueSky: @milliedechirico.bsky.social The show is available on— Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, PocketCasts, Google, and Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month: You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

There are few stars who have reached the heights that Joan Crawford did. In his book Ferocious Ambition: Joan Crawford’s March to Stardom my guest Robert Dance explores how she rose from childhood poverty to the top of her industry where she maintained a successful career for over four decades. We talked about her drive and talent for business and how she was a surprising feminist presence in mid-century cinema.   You can purchase Ferocious Ambition: Joan Crawford’s March to Stardom here Check out the gorgeous photos on the official Ferocious Ambition Instagram account  The show is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, PocketCasts, Google, and Radio Public   Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month   You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

The two cinematic versions of Scarface were influential films which reflected their times, the thirties and eighties respectively. The prolific Nat Segaloff explores their legacy in Say Hello to My Little Friend: A Century of Scarface, a fascinating book that draws on Nat’s industry experience and considerable research skills. We talked about the effect these movies had, the people who made them remarkable, and what it was like to meet Scarface director Brian De Palma. Learn more about Nat’s many film books at his website http://www.natsegaloff.com/ You can purchase Say Hello to My Little Friend: A Century of Scarface here https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806542966/say-hello-to-my-little-friend/ The show is available on— Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, PocketCasts, Google, and Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month: https://anchor.fm/k-cruver You can also support my work on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/watchingclassicmovies --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

Film critic Odie Henderson has applied his vast film knowledge and solid storytelling skills to the writing of an excellent new book Buy Odie's Book Check out Odie's Blaxploitation Playlist Keep up with Odie on BlueSky Odie's film reviews: Boston Globe Roger Ebert Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

Eleanor Powell was Hollywood’s best female tapper, but she isn’t nearly as well known as screen hoofers like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. With their book Eleanor Powell: Born to Dance my guests Paula Broussard and Lisa Royère are working to fix that cultural oversight. Having been dancers themselves, they offer a fascinating perspective on this one-of-a-kind star’s style. We talked about the uniquely skilled Powell, who was as engaging as a person as she was a performer, and Paula and Lisa’s own relationship with her in her later years.  Connect with Paula and Lisa: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/eleanorpowell.bio Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eleanorpowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleanorpowellborntodance/ Paula’s Twitter/X: @PMBroussard Lisa’s Twitter/X: @pamelisa Website: www.eleanorpowell.dance Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month: https://anchor.fm/k-cruver You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

While the actress Veronica Lake dealt with her share of trauma, her life was not quite the tragedy that it has long been rumored to be. Before she hit her mid-twenties she had appeared in six bonafide classic films, including Sullivan’s Travels, a series of noirs with Alan Ladd starting with This Gun for Hire, I Married a Witch and So Proudly We Hail. She left Hollywood behind, but never stopped working on the stage and in television, while pursuing the life she was unable to have as a young star. I spoke with UCLA Cinema and Media Studies Program Manager and Lake enthusiast and researcher Brian Brown about the highs and lows of this remarkable actress. For more great Veronica Lake content, follow Brian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeekabooBrian   Titles discussed:   Sullivan’s Travels (1941) This Gun for Hire (1942) The Glass Key (1942) I Married a Witch (1942) So Proudly We Hail (1943) The Blue Dahlia (1946) Ramrod (1947) Slattery’s Hurricane (1949) The Sainted Sisters (1948)   The show is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, PocketCasts, Google, and Radio Public --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

Toshiro Mifune was one of the first classic film stars I loved and yet I didn’t know much about him personally. I decided to remedy that by talking to writer and CineJourneys co-founder Jill Blake. Jill has researched and written about Mifune and had a lot to share about his life, career, and remarkable partnership with filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Check out Jill's work CineJourneys Substack: https://cinejourneys346.substack.com CineJourneys website: www.cinejourneys.com Read Jill’s piece on Mifune: https://ajillblake.substack.com/p/toshiro-mifune-no-april-fool   The show is available on— Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, PocketCasts, Google, and Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month: https://anchor.fm/k-cruver --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

Biographer Eve Golden returns to the show to discuss her latest . This vivacious star deserves a reputation overall. Lies, rumors, and misperceptions have clouded Velez’ legacy. While she didn’t have the opportunities and regard that her talent and starpower should have brought her, she had a remarkable, decades-long career and was a beloved, fascinating woman.  Content warning: we discuss Lupe’s suicide from 21:04 to 24:58 if you would prefer to skip that part of the conversation. Strictly Dynamite: The Sensational Life of Lupe Vélez is a publication of University Press of Kentucky and is available wherever you buy books! The show is available on— Apple Spotify Amazon Music PocketCasts Google Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

I love the movie suggestions Brian Sauer shares as co-host of the Pure Cinema Podcast and as host of Just the Discs podcast and YouTube show. He always comes up with intriguing films I haven’t seen for my ever expanding to-watch list. In this episode, Brian shares five classic film picks and two spares, that would be his selections if he were scheduling the TCM Classic Film Festival. I loved the element of surprise in our conversation, especially because some of his picks sounded great and I can't wait to watch them.  Follow Brian and get more great recommendations: Instagram Brian on Letterboxd Pure Cinema Podcast Just the Discs Podcast Just the Discs on YouTube Films discussed in this episode: Christmas in July (1940)  The Enemy Below (1957)  Ride Clear of Diablo (1954)  Pushover (1954)  Two on a Guillotine (1965)  Shakedown (1950)  The Devil Doll (1936)  I highly recommend following Brian on social media and getting more film recommendation from his shows:  The show is available on— Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, PocketCasts, Google, and RadioPublic Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

Fashion Instagrammer and actress Rachel Boyce lives her love of 60s and 1700s fashion. While we tend to refer to previous decades when talking about fashion trends, Rachel looks back centuries when sharing her extensive knowledge about how past looks influence the present. We talked about how many years of different styles found their way into the cultural explosion of the sixties, including the wide variety of films made in that decade.  Follow Rachel Boyce on Instagram Listen to our previous episode about Sharon Tate and owning vintage fashion. The show is available on— Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Breaker, Google RePod, PocketCasts, Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

Millie de Chirico has long been a knowledgeable and accessible champion for classic film in her work programming for TCM and the TCM Classic Film Festival, as co-host of the essential I Saw What You Did podcast, and now as co-author with Quatoyiah Murry of the amazing book TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema. I loved having her back on the show to talk about how changing access to films has widened the landscape for cult flicks and dig into some of the fascinating movies Millie wrote about in the book. Learn more about Millie and Quatoyiah’s book TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema here  Take a listen to my previous conversation with Millie about late career Elizabeth Taylor. It’s one of my favorite episodes I also did a video review of the book when it first came out The show is available on— Apple Spotify Amazon Music PocketCasts Breaker Google Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

The 1989 film Chameleon Street, written, directed by, and starring Wendell B. Harris Jr. won the grand jury prize for a dramatic film at Sundance Film Festival in 1990. But that honor didn’t lead to the accolades and long directing career that it should have. This quirky masterwork tells the true crime story of William Douglas Street, Jr., a con artist from Detroit who has successfully impersonated athletes, lawyers, reporters, and doctors over a long career of scamming. He is currently in prison for identity theft. I spoke with Cinema Detroit co-founder Paula Guthat about this fascinating film, the wild story behind it, and how Harris molded this tale of the con into a reflection of life, society, and the performance of being human.  You can learn where to stream Chameleon Street (1989) here. Learn more about Chameleon Street here. Learn more about Cinema Detroit screenings here. The show is available on— Apple Spotify Amazon Music PocketCasts Breaker Sticher Google Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

I was happy to welcome back novelist Martin Turnbull, my most popular guest on the podcast to date. We talked about Bogart, Bacall, Hollywood and Warner Brothers Studios during World War II and how they are featured in his Hollywood Homefront Trilogy including the recently released finale to this fascinating blend of fact and fiction You Must Remember This. You can learn more about Martin Turnbull’s many books, including his Hollywood Home Front Trilogy, at his official website. I also highly recommend following his fascinating Twitter account where he shares lots of photos and information about vintage LA & Hollywood. The show is available on— Apple Spotify Amazon Music PocketCasts Breaker Sticher Google Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

My guest is Michelle Squiccimara, registrar and outreach coordinator of The Stoogeum in Ambler, Pennsylvania. This three-story museum dedicated to the 3 Stooges contains thousands of artifacts and works of art. It’s also the home of the 3 Stooges fan club, one of the largest and most enduring in the nation. We talked about the many surprises the Stoogeum holds, the supportive fan community that has helped it to thrive, and a new book that reveals the underseen history of the Stooges extensive career on the road. The Official Stoogeum Website Purchase A Tour De Farce: The Complete History of the Three Stooges on the Road, by Stoogeum founder Gary Lassin The Stoogeum is included in my book, The ClassicFilm Fan USA Travel Guide: Over 500 Attractions for Road Trips and Online Exploration Thank you to everyone who has purchased the book so far! I'm thrilled by the response. If you are enjoying the guide, I'd love it if you'd post a review wherever you bought it. It really helps! The show is available on— Apple Spotify Amazon Music PocketCasts Breaker Sticher Google Radio Public Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

My guest is Janie McKirgan, Executive Director of the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, Pennsylvania We talked about the long history of this museum that seems humble from the outside, but has an extensive collection within and a movie theater that shows Stewart films every day. It’s a beloved institution in a town that still shows a lot of love for its most famous native.   You can learn more about the Jimmy Stewart Museum at their official website.   Check out their Jimmy Stewart podcast. There are some amazing interviews, including one with Kim Novak! And some interesting clips featuring Stewart.    The Jimmy Stewart Museum is included in my book, The Classic Film Fan USA Travel Guide: Over 500 Attractions for Road Trips and Online Exploration   The show is available on—   Apple   Spotify Amazon Music   PocketCasts Breaker   Sticher  Google   Radio Public   Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month You can also support my work on ko-fi --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

My guest is Nelson Page, Executive Director of the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, New Jersey, the birthplace of the United States film industry. The center is an evolving cultural institution, featuring a reparatory movie theater that brings back the comforts and style of classic cinema and a museum that is free to the public and has already been a source of great fascination to its visitors in the five months it has been open. We talked about what the center has to offer, the history of film in Fort Lee, and how the future of cinema is just as exciting as the past. Official Barrymore Film Center Website Barrymore Film Center Instagram The Barrymore Film Center is included in my book, The Classic Film Fan USA Travel Guide: Over 500 Attractions for Road Trips and Online Exploration The show is available on Spotify, PocketCasts, Breaker, Stitcher, Anchor, Google, Radio Public, and YouTube. Watching Classic Movies podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts! If you are enjoying the show, please give it a 5-star review and share it with your friends. Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month, click on the Support button here. You can also support my work on ko-fi. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

My guests are Lynell Seabold, Executive Director of the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, North Carolina and Lora Stocker a longtime volunteer for the museum who has served as a social media consultant and board member.  We talked about what the museum has to offer both as a physical and virtual experience, including the many ways the museum celebrates Ava Gardner and unites fans and collectors from around the world.  Explore the Museum's virtual offerings at the Official Ava Gardner Museum site  They also have a fantastic gift shop Lot of good stuff on the Ava Gardner Instagram account  The Ava Gardner Museum is included in my book, The Classic Film Fan USA Travel Guide: Over 500 Attractions for Road Trips and Online Exploration The show is available on Spotify, PocketCasts, Breaker, Stitcher, Anchor, Google, Radio Public, and YouTube. Watching Classic Movies podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts! If you are enjoying the show, please give it a 5-star review and share it with your friends. Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month, click on the Support button here. You can also support my work on ko-fi. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

My guest is Dorothy Schultz, curator of the James Dean Museum We had a great talk about this thriving tribute to an actor who burned bright in his short life and left an enduring legacy. The museum is home to the largest collection of Dean artifacts and attracts visitors from around the world. It is also deeply loved and supported by the surrounding community, which includes Dean’s family. Dorothy shared stories about the museum and the annual festival it hosts, tips about how to make the most of a visit, and what Dean means to her as an artist and influential figure.   You can learn more about The James Dean Museum and check out their gift shop here   James Dean Museum on Instagram    We talked a lot about the famous photos Dennis Stock took of James Dean. There's a great gallery of them here. The James Dean Museum is included in my book, The Classic Film Fan USA Travel Guide: Over 500 Attractions for Road Trips and Online Exploration     The show is available on Spotify, PocketCasts, Breaker, Stitcher, Anchor, Google, Radio Public, and YouTube. Watching Classic Movies podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts! If you are enjoying the show, please give it a 5-star review and share it with your friends. Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month, click on the Support button here.  You can also support my work on ko-fi. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

Watching Classic Movies podcast returns on April 12 and this one’s going to be special.   I wrote a travel guide for classic movie fans, full of destinations sure to delight lovers of vintage Hollywood.   At the heart of The Classic Film Fan USA Travel Guide: Over 500 Attractions for Road Trips and Online Exploration are good people running fascinating places that bring the movies to life.   This season I’m going to talk to several of them and shine a light on some of the most fascinating destinations for classic film fans.   Can’t wait for you to hear it! You can buy The Classic Film Fan USA Travel Guide: Over 500 Attractions for Road Trips and Online Exploration here: https://linktr.ee/classicfilmfanusatravelguide --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support

When I saw that a social media filter featuring the dancing ghost of Koko the Clown had gone viral, I had to know the story behind it. What I found was a great team that is working to preserve the timeless ‘toons of Max Fleischer, which featured Betty Boop, Popeye, Koko the Clown, and consisted of hundreds of fascinating animated shorts. This is my first dual interview on the show. Ray Pointer has been a Fleischer scholar for decades. He is the author of the essential Fleischer Studios tome The Art and Inventions of Max Fleischer: American Animation Pioneer. Mauricio Alvarado is the owner of Rockin’ Pins, a merchandising company with licenses for several entertainment properties, including many Fleischer ‘toons characters, including Koko the Clown Ghost. The pair have worked in partnership with Jane Fleischer Reid, granddaughter of Max, to bring new attention these timeless ‘toons by funding restorations, hosting screenings, and spreading the word at conventions and other special events. I was deeply impressed with the knowledge and passion these two shared in our conversation.  To support the Fleischer Cartoon Restoration Project, you can become a patron at Patreon  Find all of the Fleischer 'Toons social media accounts at their LinkTree  You can buy official Fleischer Studios merchandise (which helps support the restoration) and Ray Pointer's book at Rockin' Pins.  This is a great interview with Ray Pointer, conducted by Jane Fleischer Reid, which goes into more detail about his book and Fleischer research.   Official Fabulous Fleischer Cartoons Restored! YouTube Channel  Ray Pointer's YouTube Channel  You can purchase Ray Pointer's DVD releases of Fleischer 'toons on his website. The show is available on Spotify, PocketCasts, Breaker, Stitcher, Anchor, Google, Radio Public, and YouTube. Watching Classic Movies podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts! If you are enjoying the show, please give it a 5-star review and share it with your friends. Like the podcast? Want to hear more frequent episodes? Subscriptions are as low as 99 cents a month, click on the Support button here.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/k-cruver/support